Rhode Island § 1-3-3 - Airport Zoning

§ 1-3-3. Declaration of policy.

It is found and declared that an airport hazard endangers the lives and property of users of the airport and of occupants of land and other persons in its vicinity and also, if of the obstruction type, in effect reduces the size of the area available for the landing, taking off, and maneuvering of aircraft, thus tending to destroy or impair the utility of the airport and the public investment in the airport. Accordingly, it is declared:

(1) That the creation or establishment of an airport hazard is a public nuisance and an injury to the community served by the airport in question.

(2) That it is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, and general welfare that the creation or establishment of airport hazards be prevented.

(3) That this should be accomplished, to the extent legally by proper exercise of the police power, without compensation.

(4) That the prevention of the creation or establishment of airport hazards, and the elimination, removal, alteration, mitigation, or marking and lighting of existing airport hazards, are public purposes for which the state and its political subdivisions may raise and expend public funds and acquire land or property interests.

(5) That any obstructions to the use of navigable airspace destroy and impair the safe use of such airspace thereby endangering aircraft and are not in the interest of public health, public safety, or general welfare.